3 Reviews: Maybelline Mascara and BB Cream and Down Under Naturals Conditioner

I used 3 new products today: Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream, Maybelline's The Falsies mascara, and Down Under Naturals Hypo-allergenic Conditioner. All 3 were part of an early Christmas gift, so I decided to try them all in one day and write one big review.

First, the BB Cream.

I first tried BB cream when I was given a sample of it at the Clinique counter when I purchased some other makeup. BB cream ("beauty balm" or "blemish balm") has exploded on the Western markets. It hails from Asia, where it's been touted as the "secret weapon" of Korean actresses. It's supposed to be a sunblock and light foundation in one, covering blemishes and imperfections and leaving your skin looking flawless.

I liked the Clinique BB cream - I found it similar to their foundations, just a bit lighter. It's quite liquid-y, unlike my Aveda tinted moisturizer which is thick. 

Since I had run out of the sample and was nearly out of my tinted moisturizer, I decided to give the Maybelline version a try. I read promising reviews online and was tempted by the 8-in-one benefits: everything from sun protection to acting as a serum and primer to concealing imperfections.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

The price was definitely right: $9 for 30 mL of goop. I chose the medium shade out of the 5 available. This BB cream is liquid and only a small amount is needed. I dotted my chin, cheeks, and forehead and blended with my fingertips. The cream felt smooth and had no odour. It felt a bit dewy after, like I had applied sunscreen. The medium shade blended perfectly with my skin tone. I covered it with a light dusting of setting powder because my skin is a bit oily and I work in a hot, humid environment. I wasn't sure if I believed the BB cream could stand up to a full working day and a visit to a friend's after.

Fast forward 14 hours: my skin is dewy and slightly shiny. I still have a polished look and imperfections are still covered, but my face is oily to the touch. Not bad for a sheer tint that's supposed to do 8 things. 

Overall, I would give this product a good rating. It's definitely easy to blend, covers well (more than a tinted moisturizer), and stands up to a 14-hour day. However, I did use a setting powder with it and my skin was oily at the end of the day as it is with most of the foundations I've used. There are also only 5 shades available, some which might not be suitable for all skin tones.

Maybelline's The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara

I decided to give this mascara a try because I came up to the 3-month cut off of my Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion. A former coworker of mine had long, dramatic lashes and used this one as a base (she used 2 or 3 different mascaras; I'm only interested in using one). It was also $6 on sale, which is hard to pass up when my usual mascaras are around the $11 mark.

The first thing I noticed about this mascara is that the wand is flexible. It was bouncy! It was a little strange to put on. You can see in the photo that there is a gap in the wand; that's where it bends. I don't know the purpose of this - maybe to glide the mascara onto your lashes more effectively?

It did the trick though and I quickly built up 3 coats on each eye without drying between coats. One more and I would have had tarantula eyes. 

I did indeed have long, luscious lashes. They definitely didn't look "false", but they looked nice. Just as nice as the Cover Girl mascara. 

My only gripe is that this is harder to take off than the Cover Girl. I don't use any makeup remover (just cleanser) and I was left with raccoon eyes even after paying extra attention massaging cleanser into my eye area. I improvised by using olive oil on a tissue to remove the excess. It worked great.

Overall, a nice mascara and I will use it for the next 3 months. 

Edit: I used Lash Blast Fusion again today and I find it's a much cleaner mascara. Meaning there's less mess to clean up after applying, it doesn't flake, and it's much easier to remove. The wand is also much steadier and easier to apply. I'll go back to it after I finish with The Falsies in 3 months.

Down Under Naturals Hypo-allergenic Conditioner

I picked up this conditioner because it was CHEAP! $2.48 for a full litre. Amazing! It usually costs me $12 for a third of that. And to boot, this conditioner is silicone and sulfate free! Score!

I used it twice today because I ended up showering both morning and night. I used 3 pumps for my shoulder-length hair. It felt thick, but not rich. Smooth, but not slippery. It smoothed through my hair nicely and I was able to detangle with my fingers. I left it in for a few minutes and it rinsed out clean without any residue like some of my other conditioners. It had a nice, light tropical scent. Nothing overpowering and nothing at all like the coconut on the front of the bottle, but nice nonetheless. 

Today wasn't the greatest day to review a conditioner because A) it was raining heavily and B) I had to leave the house with wet hair (I have curly hair that I don't blow dry, except in emergencies).

I tucked most of my wet hair into a knitted cap and my hair air-dried at work. It was frizzy and I had to use water and a little finger-styling to get it back into shape. My coiff was quite voluminous, but it was soft to the touch and not sticky or waxy. By the end of the day my hair was full and glorious. I had finger-combed it into ringlets and it looked gorgeous. 

My hair is drying right now from shower No. 2 and I have pretty ringlets. I declare this conditioner a super duper WIN! 

If you don't like silicones or sulfates in your conditioners, check this out. I wouldn't use this as a deep treatment, but as an every day conditioner this stuff kicks ass. 

Edit: A friend of mine pointed out that this conditioner is biodegradable and not tested on animals. WIN!

That's it for now, friends. Stay tuned, I'm sure I'll find something around here to write about in the upcoming weeks.

Book Review: When Things Fall Apart and Peace is Every Step

So I have a lot of "self-help" books. Books on love, books on Buddhism, books on maximising your time and achievement, books on martial arts and Taoism, and even a book called "How To Wash Your Face" (Barey J. Kenet, M.D.). 

I've read all or most of these books and have come away from each a little more inspired and with a little more knowledge on how to be a compassionate, wise being. My last read was When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron. It shook me to my core. I mean literally shook me up. The book describes no security in anything, to abandon hope, and to embrace fear. I was afraid. I cried, knowing all the constructs I had put up, my neat little life: all of that could fall apart at any moment. I could be left by anyone, I could lose my job, I could lose face; all things that terrified me. She talks about 6 kinds of loneliness and embracing them. Just being willing to be there, to be lonely, with no resolution. And in that, you will find a vast open space where there can be peace, compassion, and wisdom. I tried to meditate, but I was afraid. My heart felt like a clenched fist, scared to let anything or anyone in or out lest I be strewn apart by the winds of life. 

Well, "fuck that", I thought. I cling tightly to my constructs and the people in my life. I have a job, an apartment, and a boyfriend. I have good friends and family relations and a network of support. I'm not going to throw it all away to be alone and lonely and happy about it. But that's not what she's talking about. She's talking about detaching with love so in the difficult times, it's not so hard. We can still have our life - just without attachment. She's right: there is no security in other people, in our constructs, in our ideas about who we are. The book stirred something in me so aggressively that I sought out help from a friend who is a meditation teacher. I'm calming down now and meditation isn't so scary anymore. 

The latest book I'm reading is Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh. It's a short little paperback that I picked up from Chapters for $15. The dandelion on the front intrigued me and so did the foreward by the Dalai Lama. 

Thay (pronounced "tie" and meaning "teacher" in Vietnamese"), writes simply and in short, concise sentences. I first encountered this in Old Path White Clouds, his story of the Buddha's life. The book is written in parts consisting of a few short paragraphs on every subject from doing the dishes to anger and hatred. Thich Nhat Hanh describes useful and practical techniques for dealing with every issue: irritation, anger, disappointment, grief. He talks about turning your anger into compassion, which is hard to do. 

He describes meditation as a calming of the body and mind and recommends smiling as you breathe out. I tried it and felt happy. He says if you smile while doing anything, you can be very happy doing simple work like chores around the house. He says everything you need to be happy is in the present moment.

This book inspires me and hasn't shaken me to my core like Pema's. Both are telling the truth; Thay just in a more gentle way. If we practice mindfulness in every day life, we can transform ourselves into compassionate and wise beings and offer kindness to others and help transform them. In the foreword, the Dalai Lama speaks of world peace starting with the individual. If we can not be kind and compassionate ourselves, how can we expect others to be? He says it is our job to liberate ourselves and to help benefit others. I can jive with that.

Practice extends far from the cushion. Sure, you can take a long retreat in silence and everything will be nice and neat, but real practice happens out there in the big, bad world. I was on the bus yesterday and found it hard to look a homeless man in the eye. I relaxed and smiled at him, and he smiled back. It felt good. 

I look forward to reading the rest of the book and will write an update when I am finished. So far, so good. If you want a short and inspiring read, check it out!

Review: Aveda Tourlamine Charged Radiant Skin Refiner

Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner

I'm on an Aveda kick lately and purchased this exfoliant after the facial I mentioned in my previous post. The esthetician used this as part of the routine after cleansing. I liked the feel of the granules on my skin and the lovely herbal scent. 

When I was purchasing the products, she told me I only needed to exfoliate once a week despite the bottle saying it should be used twice weekly. She said once was enough for my skin.  

It's a clay-based scrub (kaolin) and has tourmaline crystals to help refine the skin. Tourmaline, according to Wikipedia, is a semi-precious stone and is made of silica particles. This refiner is supposed to be gentle on the skin and whisk away impurities and imperfections leaving your skin soft, smooth, and radiant. 

I tried this scrub exactly one week after my facial and used a dime-sized amount after cleansing. I scrubbed gently using the pads of my finger tips. The scrub was not overly harsh or grainy; the particles were small and felt smooth on my skin. I did my face, neck, and decollete, as instructed on the tube. I even did my lips. It rinsed away clean and I did not have to "whisk away" particles with a cloth as the tube said. I spritzed toner over my face after exfolitating and my face felt clean and healthy. The next day I noticed my skin was much clearer and felt softer. 

I'm looking forward to exfoliating again tomorrow. The price tag is hefty at $50 per 100 mL, but you only need a tiny amount as with the other Aveda products I've tried. I wasn't an exfoliating type of gal before this, but Aveda's scrub has turned me into a convert.

Review: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser and Toner

Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser

First: the cleanser. I purchased this product after receiving an Aveda facial at one of their spas. The esthetician used this gel cleanser as part of the experience (cleansing, toning, exfoliation, masque, moisturizer, and massage - highly recommended!). She told me that just a little bit would remove makeup and impurities and leave my skin soft and hydrated. She wasn't lying. I loved the herbal smell and the smooth feeling of the gel on my face. After the facial, I wanted to purchase the products she used. She told me this cleanser was best suited for my skin type (slightly dry/slightly oily). I was to use one pump morning and night and to rub it in with the pads of my fingers and blot dry with a towel.

I've been using the cleanser for exactly one week now and it's made a huge difference in my skin. Before, I was using black mud soap from Israel as my main cleanser with no toner or moisturizer. My face was riddled with black heads and I was breaking out weekly. The only qualm I have about this cleanser is that it doesn't fully remove my mascara. I have to use a tissue to wipe away the excess after cleansing. It's not a lot, but it's enough to annoy me. But that tells me that this cleanser isn't stripping my skin, which is a good thing. It is plant-based and doesn't have sodium lauryl sulfate like most other cleansers I've used that are harsh and drying to the skin. It foams just enough to wash away impurities and has 16 different organic essential oils that make up a sensual aroma. I love the way my skin smells and feels after using it!

The $30 price tag is a bit hefty, but only one pump is needed and this 150 mL bottle will last me at least 6 months. I could buy a $10 cleanser from the drug store every month or two and it would add up to the same amount. 

Now, the toner.

Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist

The esthetician at the Aveda spa told me that my skin wasn't dry enough for a moisturizer and that this toning mist would help replenish moisture and balance my skin tone. It has a light herbal aroma and feels cooling on the skin. The directions say to use it in the morning after cleansing, so that's what I do. I spritz it over my face and let it dry before using their Inner Light tinted moisturizer. It's hydrating and my skin doesn't feel tight or dry after using it. It's expensive for a toner, but a little goes a long way.

I know, I know - it sounds like a lot of hype to promote Aveda. But, I've fallen in love with their products and services. The facial was excellent and so are the products I've purchased. I like them so much, I've considered giving them as gifts!

Edit: Fast forward almost one month later and I would like to report that my skin is flawless. During the first week (and after the first exfoliation), I had some mild breakouts but nothing major. Now, I don't get pimples at all! I'm very pleased with these products. The only gripe, as I said before, is that it doesn't remove all my mascara (specifically Maybelline's "The Falsies"). I use it with Cover Girl Lash Blast and it removes it just fine. Hooray!

Review: Clinque Lid Smoothie

Clinque Lid Smoothie in "Cashew Later"

Hello, friends! I have been away for a while - starting a new job and moving into a new apartment and working on various projects. It's good to be back.

I picked up this product about a month ago after a complimentary makeover at a Clinque counter at the local Sears. The cosmetician used it as a base for a powder eye shadow and told me it would help my shadow last up to 8 hours. When I went back (just for a browse - haha), the cosmetician at the counter told me it gave her eye shadow 14-hour staying power. I was impressed. They come in an array of colours with cute names like "Sassy-fras" and "Pinkgo Biloba" and can be used alone or as a primer. I chose "Cashew Later" (a nude beige with a hint of shimmer), to wear under the eye shadow quad I also purchased ("Purple Haze" - a lovely violet with a silver highlighter and a darker grey for the crease. It also has an indigo to make a smoky eye). 

The Lid Smoothie comes in a small tube with a metal applicator. I don't use the applicator, I just squeeze out a little bit and apply with my finger. It dries in seconds. Not sticky or powdery - just matte. It also says that it's "antioxidant". The Clinique website states that it protects the eye area and that nourishing ingredients help smooth fine lines. 

I tried wearing the Lid Smoothie on its own with just eye liner and mascara, and found it creased before 8 hours and my eye liner transferred to my eye lid. But when I wear it under eye shadow, it makes the colours pop and keeps it on all day - even when I go from work to a social event. The rest of my face might be shiny, but this stuff lasts and lasts.

Overall, I'm very happy with this product. The $20 price tag is reasonable because this tube will likely last me 6 months with the teeny-tiny amount needed.

It also comes in colours like "Imprompt-Blue" and "Salt and Pepper", so there is definitely something for everyone. If you want an eye shadow primer that works, give this a try.